BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Principal Guest Conductor

Bulgarian conductor Delyana Lazarova will step into the role in September 2025

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has recently announced that the Bulgarian conductor Delyana Lazarova will serve as its new Principal Guest Conductor, and will step into the role from September 2025 — a year which also marks the orchestra's 90 concert season.

Lazarova debuted with the orchestra in March 2024, when she conducted a program that included Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, with the Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe as soloist.

She has recently led ensembles such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Scottish, and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin — and she works closely with the Hallé and Orchestre National de France. In the current season, she makes

A former assistant conductor to Sir Mark Elder at the Hallé (2020-2023), Lazarova will soon make debuts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the hr-Sinfonieorchester, and the Minnesota Orchestra, among others.

"I am deeply honored and thrilled to join the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra team as Principal Guest Conductor," Lazarova said. "From our very first rehearsal, I was impressed by the artistry and exceptional range of expression of the BBC SSO musicians, whose commitment and passion for the music captured my heart from the start."

"I eagerly look forward to this exciting journey together, as we explore a diverse repertoire - discovering hidden gems, as well as bringing fresh perspectives to some of the most beloved masterpieces. I cannot wait to reconnect with the wonderful members of the orchestra, hear their beautiful playing once again, and create inspiring music together."

"From her very first rehearsal with the BBC SSO, it was clear that Delyana was going to make waves," said Dominic Parker, Director of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. "An accomplished violinist and conductor, she brings exceptional musical intelligence to every program, shaping rehearsals and concerts that are both inspiring and illuminating. With a keen sense of storytelling in her programming and an impressive breadth of repertoire, audiences can look forward to an enriching and enjoyable musical journey with her on the BBC SSO podium."